Director of HR Operations & Onboarding

Sun River Health•Peekskill, NY

8d•$122,686 - $137,808

About The Position

The Director of HR Operations & Onboarding is an operational leader in the Human Resources department, responsible for strategic oversight and day-to-day management of onboarding, employee transactions, compliance processes, background screening, HR systems administration, and workforce-related operations. The role partners with the Vice President and works across Human Resources, Payroll, Compliance, Operations, Employee Health, Information Technology, Credentialing, and organizational leadership to ensure employee lifecycle processes are completed efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements. The Director oversees HR Operations and Onboarding staff and processes, including operational inquiries and correspondence, employee transactions, onboarding and orientation, pre-employment screening, HR records and systems, and service delivery. The role establishes procedures and service expectations, monitors performance metrics, supports process improvement and automation, and provides operational reporting to executive leadership. This position also ensures employment-related compliance and audit readiness, leads background screening processes, and serves as the primary operational resource and escalation point for complex matters. It manages a large, high-volume team, builds accountability and process ownership, and collaborates with Talent Acquisition to improve recruitment-to-onboarding handoffs and the candidate and new-hire experience. The Director supports workforce planning, employee engagement, retention, workforce stabilization, organizational growth, and other strategic initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
At least 5–7 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
At least 3–5 years of leadership experience managing HR, onboarding, employee services, or operational teams.
Experience managing HR compliance, onboarding, employee records, and workforce administration processes.
Demonstrated experience independently leading day-to-day HR operations and managing a large or high-volume team.
Hands-on experience administering background checks, verifying results, resolving discrepancies, and coordinating with screening vendors and applicable agencies.
Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR operations, and onboarding best practices.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive process improvements.
Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Experience with HRIS systems, workforce analytics, and reporting.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Ability to work independently, make informed decisions, manage competing priorities, and follow matters through to resolution with limited oversight.
Ability to operate as a trusted partner to the Vice President and assume broad operational responsibility in support of departmental continuity and effectiveness.
Ability to receive and apply constructive feedback professionally, with adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement.
Strong working knowledge of background screening, regulatory verification, documentation, vendor coordination, and audit-ready recordkeeping.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Experience in healthcare, multi-site operations, or highly regulated environments.
Experience using Oracle as an HRIS.
Experience with OMH, OASAS, and CHRC screening requirements and processes.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the HR Operations and Onboarding team.
Ensure incoming HR calls and emails are monitored, answered, and routed appropriately, and oversee the receipt and handling of HR mail and correspondence.
Oversee the accurate and timely review, processing, documentation, and coordination of wage garnishments and related notices.
Triage, assign, track, and resolve day-to-day HR operational requests according to established procedures and service expectations.
Develop, implement, and monitor HR operational processes, standard operating procedures, workflows, and service-level expectations.
Monitor departmental metrics and key performance indicators, report regularly to executive leadership, and identify opportunities for efficiency, automation, and improved employee service.
Direct onboarding for newly hired employees, licensed providers, and organizational leadership, including pre-employment requirements and new-hire orientation.
Collaborate with department leaders to integrate employees into their roles and work environments, monitor onboarding timelines, and resolve barriers that may delay start dates.
Lead and improve the new-hire buddy program; develop and deliver orientation, training, tools, and expectations for participants; and use feedback to improve the program.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and organizational employment requirements and oversee licensure, certification, credentialing support, regulatory screening, and audit readiness.
Maintain HR records and documentation in accordance with legal and organizational standards and partner with Compliance, Legal, and Operations on employment requirements and workflows.
Oversee end-to-end background screening, including initiating and monitoring required checks, documenting results, coordinating with vendors and agencies, resolving discrepancies and delays, and keeping procedures and records current.
Oversee HRIS processes and employee data management; ensure accurate and timely employee records and monitor transactions involving hires, transfers, promotions, compensation changes, leaves, and separations.
Submit required personnel action changes in the HRIS biweekly, ensuring supporting documentation is complete and following up on outstanding items.
Support reporting and analytics using HR technology platforms and partner with HRIS and other departments on system enhancements and process improvements.
Oversee employee status changes, transfers, promotions, position changes, and restructuring; ensure accurate processing and documentation; coordinate with Payroll and Benefits; and support workforce planning.
Recruit, develop, coach, and mentor staff; set expectations, provide feedback and development opportunities, foster accountability and collaboration, and ensure appropriate team coverage and resource allocation.
Independently manage day-to-day operations of a large, high-volume team, maintain priorities and service levels, and serve as the primary operational resource and escalation point for complex matters.
Apply constructive feedback to improve leadership and process execution, and build team accountability through clear expectations, coaching, follow-through, and consistent workflows.
Collaborate with executive leadership on organizational growth and workforce initiatives; serve as a subject matter expert in onboarding, HR operations, workforce processes, and employee lifecycle management.
Support employee engagement, retention, workforce stabilization, and operational effectiveness initiatives, and participate in assigned special projects.
Partner with Talent Acquisition and stakeholders to clarify ownership, handoffs, communication, and accountability across recruitment-to-onboarding workflows and improve the candidate and new-hire experience.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Life and disability coverage.
Retirement savings plan.
Commuter and transit benefits.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Employee discount program.
Provider incentive compensation program based on quality and productivity.
Reimbursement for provider professional license, certification, and DEA fees.
Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
Workforce Wellness Program activities and challenges.
Planetree Recognition Awards recognizing innovation, leadership, and community spirit.